What are the best things to do in Beijing?

The most popular things to do in Beijing include Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, National Museum of China, Temple of Heaven. These are the attractions travelers most often add to their Beijing itineraries.

How many days do you need in Beijing?

Most travelers spend 2 to 5 days in Beijing. Browse day-by-day Beijing itineraries to see how other travelers structured their trips around these attractions.

88 Best Things to Do in Beijing

The places travelers add to their Beijing trips most.

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The top things to do in Beijing, ranked by how often 5 real traveler itineraries include them, are Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. Tiananmen Square appears in 5 of 5 trips. Below are the top 20 and why travelers go.

Built from 5 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

What to do in Beijing

1. Tiananmen Square
In 5 Beijing trips
Explore the world’s largest public square, rich in history and culture, bordered by the majestic Tiananmen Gate and the National Museum of China.
Free
2. Forbidden City
In 5 Beijing trips
Step back in time at this sprawling imperial palace complex, showcasing stunning architecture and centuries-old artifacts from China's imperial past.
₦60
3. Jingshan Park
In 5 Beijing trips
Enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing from this beautiful park, famous for its serene surroundings and cherry blossoms in spring.
₦10
4. National Museum of China
In 5 Beijing trips
Discover China's rich history through exhibits spanning from ancient times to the modern era, housed in an impressive building along Tiananmen Square.
Free
5. Temple of Heaven
In 5 Beijing trips
Visit this stunning imperial altar set in a serene park, renowned for its harmonious architecture and tranquil gardens, perfect for leisurely walks.
₦35
6. Beijing Zoo
In 5 Beijing trips
Home to a vast array of wildlife including the rare giant pandas, this zoo is perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a fun day out.
₦25
7. Lama Temple
In 5 Beijing trips
This beautifully crafted Tibetan Buddhist temple is a spiritual sanctuary featuring stunning art and architecture, and a massive statue of Maitreya Buddha.
₦30
8. Beijing 798 Art Zone
In 5 Beijing trips
Explore this thriving contemporary art zone filled with galleries, design shops, and cafés, showcasing Beijing's vibrant cultural scene.
Free
9. Summer Palace
In 5 Beijing trips
Discover beautiful gardens, lakes, and palaces in this historic imperial retreat, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
₦40
10. Beijing Ancient Observatory
In 5 Beijing trips
Discover one of the oldest observatories in the world, offering unique insights into ancient Chinese astronomy and breathtaking views over the city.
₦40
11. Beihai Park
In 4 Beijing trips
Enjoy a relaxing day at one of China's oldest imperial gardens, featuring a serene lake, beautiful pavilions, and stunning views of the White Pagoda.
₦20
12. National Stadium
In 4 Beijing trips
Marvel at this architectural wonder, famous for hosting the Olympics, and admire its stunning design, especially when lit up at night.
₦50
13. Beijing Botanical Garden
In 4 Beijing trips
A beautiful garden featuring various plant species and themed gardens.
10 CNY
14. 玉渊潭公园
In 4 Beijing trips
A lovely park known for its cherry blossoms and tranquil lake.
5 CNY
15. Wangfujingxiaochi Street
In 3 Beijing trips
Embark on a culinary adventure at this bustling street market, sampling exotic foods from candied fruits to scorpions on sticks.
₦50
16. Ming Dynasty Tombs
In 3 Beijing trips
Visit the resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors in a serene valley, featuring magnificent architecture and tranquil gardens.
₦45
17. Hutong Tour
In 3 Beijing trips
Experience traditional Beijing by exploring its famous hutongs, narrow alleys filled with history, culture, and local shops and eateries.
₦100
18. Shichahai
In 3 Beijing trips
Explore this picturesque area known for its lakes, traditional courtyard homes, bars, and restaurants, offering a lively nightlife and leisure scene.
Free
19. Qianmen Street
In 3 Beijing trips
This historic pedestrian street is filled with shops and eateries, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences, perfect for leisurely exploration.
Free
20. Beijing Aquarium
In 3 Beijing trips
One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring impressive marine life exhibits.
80 CNY